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Common Name: Tomatillo

General Information

Physalis ixocarpa is an annual plant that can grow up to 1.20 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant, except the fruit, are poisonous[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southern and Central N. America as far north as southern Quebec.

Habitat

Waste places[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[]. Prefers a rich light soil[, ]. Tolerates hot dry weather[].
One report suggests that the plant is a perennial but, if this is true, it is not winter hardy in Britain though it can be cultivated as an annual for its edible fruit in much the same way that tomatoes are grown[]. There are some named varieties[].
Some botanists unite this species with P. philadelphica[], saying that it arose from P. philadelphica through cultivation.
A slow growing plant[]. Insect resistant[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. The fruit is a berry that is 2.5cm or more in diameter[]. When not fully ripe, the fruit can be cooked and used in curries, sauces, soups, stews etc[]. A delicious flavouring when used like a tomato and added to soups, stews etc[]. The fully ripe fruit is sweeter and can be eaten out of hand, added to salads or used in pies, preserves etc[]. The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements. This calyx is toxic and should not be eaten. The fruit can be stored for up to a year if picked before they are fully ripe and left inside their calyx.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place quickly and freely. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away well. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination[].